"You are right, Mrs. Whitney, and I beg your pardon," replied the captain.
Meanwhile, Monteith Sterry was thinking hard. Begging the indulgence of the others, he drew Capt. Asbury aside.
"I have decided upon an attempt," said he abruptly, "which you must not forbid, even though your judgment may condemn it."
"What is it?"
"I am going to try to get away."
"How?" was the surprised question; "what chance have you of succeeding, when every side of the house is watched?"
"Vesey told me, just as he was leaving, that he was not allowed to take his place as guard at the stables, which explains why he failed to give me the signal."
"He is unaware of what Miss Whitney has done?"
"I do not know of a surety, for he made no reference to it, but you heard his remark, which indicates that he is ignorant."
"Sterry," said the captain impressively, "the only friend you have among the rustlers is that same Vesey, and I place less faith in him than you do; yet you propose this wild scheme, without even the doubtful help of that man, and still expect me to approve it."